Towel with a functionalized flap

ABSTRACT

A towel comprising a front side and a back side, the towel fixedly communicating with a flap adapted to fold over a side selected from the group consisting of the front side of the towel, the back side of the towel, and a combination thereof, the flap comprising a first side fixedly communicating with a reverse side comprising and defining an air vent extending through the first side and the reverse side.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Illustrative Embodiments

The present application relates generally to a towel comprising a functional flap adapted to cover a portion of a user's head and face, thereby decreasing the effects of noise and light.

2. Background

People oftentimes enjoy spending times in the outdoors. As part of the relaxation process and for entertainment, people often like to recline and sunbathe or suntan. Even if the objective is not to suntan, one may still find sleeping or resting outdoors a helpful way to rest and relax. Outdoor spots for sunbathing, tanning, or resting are also regularly located near various bodies of water, including pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, and the like. Hotels that include pools and/or are also located near beaches oftentimes provided seating and lounge areas near the water for their guests to sunbathe, tan, or rest outdoors. Typically, towels are useful when outdoors for laying against a hard surface or the sand, as well as for drying oneself after swimming in a pool or other body of water. However, there are very limited options available to shield one's face and eyes from overexposure to the sun or other environmental factors. Historically, sunglasses and umbrellas may be used or the combination of the two to reduce sunlight. Sunglasses are usually worn to cover the eyes and protect from the glare of the sun. Umbrellas located above one's lounge chair or in the sand have to be opened and somewhat securely attached in order to provide additional shade and protection against overexposure to the sun. However, these options are not without their disadvantages, even if they have been the only options for a long time. Sunglasses are easily broken, lost, or forgotten and may thus not be available when needed to protect one's eyes from the sun or to aid in resting while outdoors. Additionally, umbrellas that shield a user's face and eyes tend to be very large and cumbersome and may not stay upright or may not be an item that one regularly carries. These options are lacking in many ways.

SUMMARY

The present application provides a towel comprising a front side and a back side, the towel fixedly communicating with a flap adapted to fold over a side selected from the group consisting of the front side of the towel, the back side of the towel, and a combination thereof, the flap comprising a first side fixedly communicating with a reverse side comprising and defining an air vent extending through the first side and the reverse side.

In one embodiment, the application provides a towel comprising a front side and a back side, the towel fixedly communicating with a flap adapted to fold over a side selected from the group consisting of the front side, the back side, and a combination thereof, the flap comprising a first side comprising a first material fixedly communicating with a reverse side comprising a second material and defining an air vent extending through the first material and the second material, wherein the first material is adapted to provide a greater degree of warmth than the second material and the second material is adapted to provide a smoother texture than the first material.

In one embodiment, the application provides a method for making a towel, the method comprising: providing a towel comprising a front side, a back side, and an edge; providing a flap comprising a first side comprising a first material communicating with a reverse side comprising a reverse material, the flap comprising a flap edge; providing an air vent through the flap; and fixedly communicating the flap edge with the edge of the towel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the application and claims, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a towel configured with a functional top flap in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a towel configured for use in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a towel with a functional flap with a reversible flap with differing fabrics on either side of the functional flap in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The application provides a towel that is uniquely configured with a functional flap. The functional flap allows a user to cover his or her head and/or face when reclining on the towel to reduce disturbances from surrounding environmental factors. In one embodiment, the towel comprises an absorbent material adapted to absorb sweat or water from the body of the user. In one embodiment, the towel also comprises a flap adapted to extend over a user's head and/or face. Additional illustrative embodiments include one or more pocket affixed to one or both sides of the towel. The pocket(s) are adapted to retain important and useful items of the user. In one embodiment, the functional flap comprises two sides comprising different materials having different characteristics. In this embodiment, the user can to choose a side of the towel to recline on based on which desired material the user wants to use to cover the user's head and/or face.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a towel configured with a functional flap in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Towel 102 is configured with a functional and customizable flap 108, in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Towel 102 is configured to allow user 112 to cover a portion or all of user's 112 head and face in order to reduce bothersome environmental factors. User 112 is any individual person seeking to utilize towel 102 to support user's head or to utilize flap 108 to cover all or part of user's face. User 112 is a human person and may be of any gender, age, height, or size.

In an illustrative embodiment, towel 102 is placed against a surface 114. Towel 102 may have a variety of sizes. In one embodiment, towel 102 has a surface area the same as or greater than the surface area occupied by a reclining average adult. In one embodiment, towel 102 has a surface area the same as or greater than the surface area occupied by a reclining average child. In one embodiment, towel 102 is rectangular in shape and has four sides. Towel 102 may be designed in a variety of colors, patterns, or a combination thereof. Towel 102 may comprise a variety of textiles or cloth, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, towel 102 comprise textiles selected from the group consisting of animal, plant, and/or synthetic textiles, and blends thereof, including but not limited to cotton, silk, polyester, nylon, and acrylic, and blends thereof. In one embodiment, towel 102 is composed of terry fabric. Terry fabric is also known as terry cloth, terry toweling, or terry. Terry is available from a variety of commercial sources. Terry can be manufactured by weaving or knitting. Terry is a woven fabric with long loops that can absorb large amounts of water. Terry is usually 100% cotton, but may sometimes contain polyester. Terry fabric offers the advantage of being comfortable to the skin of the user 112 and also is capable of absorbing water when a user is wet. Terry fabric also may be washed frequently and retains its absorbency for long periods of time. In FIG. 1, both sides of flap 108 are composed of the same fabric. In one embodiment, the flap comprises the same fabric as towel 102.

In one embodiment, towel 102 comprises one or more pocket 104. In one embodiment, one or more pocket 104 fixedly communicates with towel 102. In one embodiment, the one or more pocket 104 is securely affixed to towel 102. The one or more pocket and may be affixed to the towel using any suitable affixation, including but not limited to, sewing, buttoning, gluing, taping, snapping, or any combination thereof Pocket 104 may be affixed to towel 102 at a variety of locations. In FIG. 1, pocket 104 is located on the left side of towel 102 at a shoulder level of a user when reclining on the towel. In alternative embodiments, pocket 104 may also be placed at other locations, including but not necessarily limited to adjacent to the hands of a user reclining on towel 102.

Pocket 104 may be used as a container for items selected by user 112. Pocket 104 may have various sizes. Pocket 104 may have a relatively large size so that it may hold a great number of items. Pocket 104 may have a relatively small size to hold fewer items. Pocket 104 may be unfastened. In one embodiment, pocket 104 includes a fastener 106 adapted to securely retain items within pocket 104. Suitable fasteners 106 include, but are not necessarily limited to, zippers, buttons, snaps, Velcro, tape, extra material forming a pocket flap, and combinations thereof In one embodiment, fastener 106 comprises extra material that folds over a bottom portion of pocket 104. In one embodiment, pocket 104 is located near a shoulder of user 112. In FIG. 2, pocket 204 also includes fastener 106. In one embodiment, fastener 106 is a zippered fastener. In one embodiment, pocket 104 is located by a hand of a reclining user 112 to provide easy access to items located within pocket 104. User 112 may keep a number of useful and necessary items in pocket 104, including but not limited to, his or her phone, car keys, money.

In one embodiment, towel 102 fixedly communicates with functional flap 108. In one embodiment, flap edge 124 a fixedly communicates with short edge 124 of towel 102. In alternate embodiments, other portions of flap 108 fixedly communicate with the towel 102 at other locations, such as at side edge 103 a or 103 b of the 102. In one embodiment, user 112 may fold flap 108 over either side of towel 102.

Flap 108 may have a variety of configurations, including but not necessarily limited to those described in illustrative embodiments herein. In FIG. 1, the front side of flap 108 and the back side of flap 108 are composed of the same material. In one embodiment, the front side of flap 108 and the back side of flap 108 are composed of different materials. Flap 108 is adapted to cover all or part of the head and/or face of user 112. User 112 may use flap 108 to selectively block out any noise, light, or other environmental factors that may disturb user 112. Towel 102 and flap 108 may be utilized for both indoor and outdoor use.

In one embodiment, flap 108 includes an air vent 110 (FIG. 1), also seen as 210 in FIG. 2, or 310 in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, opposed adjacent portions of each side of flap 108 are removed to form an opening that operates as air vent 110. Air vent 110 may be located at any desirable location on flap 108, including but not necessarily limited to the following locations on the flap: centrally on the flap; laterally on the flap; bilaterally on the flap; above a user's face when in use; below a user's face when in use; and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, air vent 110 is located along flap edge 124 a adjacent to short edge 124 of towel 102. In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, when the flap 208 is folded over the face of a user 112, air vent 210 is above the face of the user, at the top of the towel/flap combination.

Air vent 110 also may have many shapes, including but not necessarily limited to one or more: oval shapes; half oval shapes; circles; half circle shapes; rectangular shapes; square shapes; parallelogram shapes; multiples of the foregoing; and, combinations of the foregoing. Air moves through air vent 110 and provides greater air flow and comfort to user 112 when flap 108 and towel 102 are engaged and flap 108 is folded over to cover a portion or all of the face of user 112. Air vent 110 may have a variety of sizes so long as air vent 110 is sufficiently large to provide air flow and comfort to user 112 when flap 108 and towel 102 are engaged and flap 108 is folded over to cover a portion or all of the face of user 112.

Flap edge 124 a may have a variety of lengths 115. In one embodiment, flap edge 124 a has a length 115 of about 30 inches. In one embodiment, flap edge 124 a and short edge 124 of towel 102 have substantially the same length. Air vent 110 also may have a variety of lengths 111. In one embodiment, air vent has a length of about 2 inches or more; 3 inches or more; 4 inches or more; 5 inches of more; 6 inches or more; 7 inches or more; 8 inches or more; 9 inches or more; 10 inches or more; and, 11 inches or more. In one embodiment, air vent 100 has a length of: 28 inches or less; 27 inches or less; 26 inches or less; 25 inches or less; 24 inches or less; 23 inches or less; 22 inches or less; 21 inches or less; 20 inches or less; 19 inches or less; 18 inches or less; 17 inches or less; 16 inches or less; 15 inches or less; or 14 inches or less. In one embodiment, air vent 110 has a length 111 of from about 11 to about 14 inches.

Air vent 110 also may have a variety of widths 113. In one embodiment, air vent 110 has a width of: 1 inches or more; 2 inches or more; 3 inches or more; 4 inches or more; 5 inches or more; 6 inches or more; 7 inches or more; or 8 inches or more. In one embodiment, air vent 110 has a width 113 of from about 2 to 3 inches.

Flap 108 may have a variety of shapes, including but not necessarily limited to rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, and parallelogram. In one embodiment, depicted in the Figures, flap 108 is rectangular and has four edges 109, 103 a, 103 b, and 124. In one embodiment, the front side and the back side of the flap 108 are closed along edges 109, 103 a, 103 b using any suitable fastening system. Suitable fastening systems include, but not necessarily limited to stitches, buttons, snaps, glue, tape, Velcro. In one embodiment, the front side and the back side of the flap 108 are hemmed closed along edges 109, 103 a, and 103 b. In one embodiment, the front side and the back side of the flap are taped closed along edges 109, 103 a, and 103 b. In one embodiment, edge 109 is parallel to edge 124. In one embodiment, edge 103 a is parallel to edge 103 b. In one embodiment, flap edge 124 a fixedly communicates with a short edge 124 of towel 102.

Flap 108 may be made of a variety of materials. In a preferred embodiment, flap 108 is composed of a terry fabric that is the same as the fabric utilized for towel 102. In one embodiment, flap 108 is treated with sun screening protective chemicals so as to protect user 112 from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Many people choose to lay out and engage in sun bathing while doing recreational activities outdoors. However, currently the effects of sunbathing are known to be harmful over an extended period of time. People are encouraged to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. In one embodiment, one or both sides of flap 108 are treated with chemicals adapted to reflect sunlight away from the flap material. In one embodiment, both sides of flap 108 are treated to include an SPF (Sun Protective Factor) component. While resting against surface 114, user 112 may cover his or her face with flap 108. When exposed to sunlight, the harmful effect of sunlight to user's 112 head and face will be reduced. In one embodiment, one or more of the materials used to create flap 108 are treated by infusing the fabric with chemicals that absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays. Such chemicals include but are not necessarily limited to titanium dioxide or bemotrizinol. Bemotrizinol is commercially available from BASF Corporation as TINOSORB® or TINOSORB® S (TINOSORB is a registered trademark of Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation, 540 White Plains Road Tarrytown, N.Y. 105919005), and from Ashland Inc. as ESCALOL® S (ESCALOL is a registered trademark of ISP Investments Inc., Suite 315, 1011 Centre Road, Wilmington, Del. 19805).

In one embodiment, towel 102 is placed against a surface 114. Surface 114 may be any surface selected by user 112. In one embodiment, user 112 places towel 102 against surface 114 and locates himself or herself on towel 102 with the head of user 112 located at or near the top edge 124 of towel 102. In one embodiment, the head of user 112 is also located adjacent to or in line with air vent 110. Flap 108 is drawn over the head and/or face of user 112 and adjusted to the comfort of user 112. Flap 108 may be positioned by user 112 to cover a portion or all of the head and/or face of user 112. In one embodiment, flap 108 is positioned to cover only a top part of the head of user 112, including the eyes and ears. Flap 108 may also be positioned by user 112 to cover the entire face.

In one embodiment, flap edge 124 a is removably fastened to short edge 124 of towel 102. Suitable removable fasteners include, but are not necessarily limited to Velcro, buttons, snaps, hooks, ties, tape, or combinations thereof. In this embodiment, user 112 may decide to detach flap 108 so that towel 102 functions merely as a towel without attached flap 108. A detachable flap 108 also would allow flap 108 to be attached to other towels besides towel 102, or to be removed and washed separately from the remainder of towel 102. In FIG. 1, flap 108 is not detachable and is securely fastened along short edge 124 of towel 102.

In one embodiment, pocket 104 is located close to one side of the body of the user 112. In one embodiment, any items located in pocket 104 are within easy reach and access to user 112. If user 112 desires to listen to music or items of interest stored on his phone, user 112 may place his phone in pocket 104. In one embodiment, pocket 104 is positioned so that a set of earbuds connected to an electronic device, such as a phone and/or a portable musical device, may easily extend from pocket 104 to the ears of user 112.

Towel 102 includes many novel features and advantages. Towel 102 may be used for a variety of purposes in either an indoor or outdoor setting. In FIG. 1, towel 102 includes flap 108 that extends outward from a top edge of towel 102. Flap 108 offers user 112 additional privacy and comfort. Flap 108 allows user 112 to improve the quality of his outdoor resting experience if user 112 chooses to sleep or relax while using towel 102. Flap 108 assists by blocking out and reducing unwanted light, including sunlight and noise. Towel 102 is portable and lightweight. Towel 102 and flap 108 may be made of an absorbent fabric and used to absorb any water located on user 112. Towel 102 is easily folded and also easily washed along with a variety of other towels that may, or may not include functional flaps.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a towel configured for use in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In FIG. 2, user 212 is resting against surface 214. In one embodiment, surface 214 is portrayed as a lounge chair. However, it is to be noted that surface 214 may be any type of surface as selected by user 212. Flap 208 is placed over the top portion of the face of user 212 so that flap 208 falls over the head, and eyes of user 212. In FIG. 2, flap 208 is portrayed as covering the head and ears and upper portion of the face of user 212. As seen in FIG. 2, the cheeks, nose, and mouth of user 212 are exposed. If user 212 chooses, flap 208 may be extended further downward along the face of user 212, for example, to cover the nose and/or the mouth.

In this illustrative embodiment, pocket 204 is located near or adjacent to the shoulders of user 212. Furthermore, pocket 204 is located adjacent to edge 209 of flap 208. In this illustrative embodiment, pocket 204 is illustrated as containing a device capable of audio transmission with attached earbuds inserted in the ears of user 212. Earbuds are small inserts that connect to a device to transmit sound from audio, visual, or a combination of audio/visual applications located on the device. In FIG. 2, fastener 206 is a zipper. In FIG. 2, fastener 206 is only partially zipped to allow the ear buds to emerge from the top of pocket 204. As seen in FIG. 2, user 212 may enjoy his rest outdoors on towel 202, while positioning flap 208 over his ears, head, and upper face. In this embodiment, pocket 204 provides a container for storing his phone in such a way that it is easily accessible for his use. In this illustrative embodiment, air vent 210 is located along edge 224 a of flap 208 which fixedly communicates with short edge 224 of towel 202. Air vent 210 allows for greater air flow to circulate over the head and face of user 212. In this illustrative embodiment, opposed portions of material have been removed from flap 208 to form a half-oval air vent 210.

In FIG. 3, towel 302 is displayed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment on a surface 314. Towel 302 comprises a reversible functional flap 308 having differing fabrics for a front side and a back side. In FIG. 3, user 312 may select which side of the flap 308 to use to cover the head or face of the user 312, depending on a set of characteristic of the differing fabrics.

In this illustrative embodiment, flap edge 324 a fixedly communicates with short edge 324 of towel 302. In one embodiment, edge 324 of towel 302 is parallel to opposed edge 309 of flap 308 when the flap and the towel are fixedly engaged. In FIG. 3, flap 308 may fall over either side of towel 302. Opposed adjacent material has been removed from the front side 316 and the back side 318 of flap 308 to form air vent 310, which functions similar to air vent 110 (described in FIG. 1) and air vent 210 (described in FIG. 2).

In one embodiment, rather than flap edge 324 a and towel edge 324 fixedly communicating, side edge 316 of flap 308 fixedly communicates with a corresponding portion of edge 326 of towel 302. In such an embodiment, user 312 may lay against towel 302 with his head located adjacent to edge 309 of towel 302 and cover his or her head and/or face by pulling flap 308 over from side 326 rather than from edge 309.

In alternate embodiments, one or more edges 309, 306, 301, 324 a of flap 308 comprise detachable fasteners adapted to detachably fasten flap 308 to one or more corresponding receiving fastener(s) along corresponding edges of towel 302 and/or flap 308. Suitable fasteners include, but are not necessarily limited to ribbons, ties, buttons, snaps, Velcro, tape, or combinations thereof.

Various desirable fabrics may be utilized for flap 308. In one embodiment, a first side 316 of flap 308 comprises a smoother textured material. In one embodiment, a reverse side 318 of flap 308 comprises a coarser, but warmer textured material. In one embodiment, first side 316 is composed of satin and second side 318 is composed of velour. In this embodiment, first side 316 is composed of a smoother textured and cooler material, and reverse side 318 is composed of a coarser textured and warmer material.

Satin is a weave that typically has a glossy surface and a dull back. A satin fabric tends to have a high luster due to the high number of floats on the fabric. Satin is often used in making bed sheets. Various variations of satin also exist. Velour, on the other hand, is a plush, knitted fabric or textile. Velour is usually made from cotton, but can also be made from synthetic materials such as polyester. Velour usually has a warmer, more textured feel than satin. In one embodiment, the user 312 may choose to lie on one side of the towel or the other based on his or her preferences of materials associated with first side 316 or reverse side 318 of flap 308.

In one embodiment, the material of flap 308 that covers user 312′s head and face is selected from the group consisting of satin and velour. Some of the reported benefits of satin and silk materials are that they are gentler on the skin and less likely to tug at one's hair and skin. On the other hand, velour offers greater warmth and texture as compared to the cooler satin fabric. Accordingly, user 312 may prefer a side of flap 308 that is made from velour to cover his or her face or a portion thereof. In a non-limiting example, towel 302 may be composed of a third fabric such as terry cloth to also absorb any wetness from user 312, especially when towel 302 is utilized during recreational activities located adjacent to a body of water.

In another illustrative embodiment, flap 308 may be treated with sun screening protective chemicals so as to protect user 312 from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Accordingly, the fabrics used to make up first side 316 and second side 318 of flap 308 may be treated with chemical treatments to reflect sunlight away from the fabric. In one embodiment, a first side and a reverse side of the flap 108 are treated so as to include an SPF (Sun Protective Factor) component. While resting against any surface, user 312 may cover his or her face with either side of flap 308 in the outdoors.

Flap 308 is ideal for blocking out unwanted artificial and/or natural light as well as noise. In this way, flap 308 helps to increase one's quality of rest and relaxation, while also functioning as a towel that can be used to absorb water or sweat from the body of user 312.

In one embodiment, towel 302 includes pocket 320 comprising fastener 322. Fastener 322 may be a flap or piece of extra material that folds over and fastens to pocket 320 to keep items contained therein. Alternative embodiments of fastener 322 include, but are not necessarily limited to, zippers, buttons, snaps, tape, Velcro, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, pocket 320 is located near the shoulder of the user 312. Pocket 320 is displayed with dotted lines to indicate that pocket 320 would not be visible from the perspective shown in FIG. 3. This is because pocket 320 and fastener 322 are located on the reverse side of towel 302. In one embodiment, pocket 320 and fastener 322 are located on the same level as pocket 304 and fastener 306. In one embodiment, pocket 320 and fastener 322 offer the same benefits as pocket 304 and fastener 306 and may be used to contain various items important to user 312.

In one embodiment, a flap having a first side 316 and a reverse side 318 is produced. In one embodiment, the first side 316 and the reverse side 318 of the flap 308 comprise the same sheet of fabric. In one embodiment, first side 316 and reverse side 318 of flap 308 comprise separate sheets of fabric. In one embodiment, first side 316 and reverse side 318 of the flap 308 comprise different fabrics. In one embodiment, first side 316 of the flap is satin fabric and reverse side 318 of the flap is velour fabric.

In one embodiment, a continuous sheet of fabric is folded and open edges thereof are affixed together using be any suitable affixation. In one embodiment, separate sheets of material are affixed together using be any suitable affixation. Suitable affixations include, but are not necessarily limited to stitching, Velcro, snaps, buttons, tape, and the like. In one embodiment, the open edges are affixed together using flat twill tape. In one embodiment, open edges of a first sheet and a reverse sheet of one or more rectangular material are affixed together to form a substantially unitary rectangular flap 308 having four edges. The material for the first sheet and the second sheet may be any variety of fabric. In one embodiment, the first sheet of fabric may be either the same material as the second sheet of fabric or may be of a different material than the second sheet of fabric.

In one embodiment, an air vent 310 extends through the first side 316 and reverse side 318 of the flap. The air vent 310 may be provided before or after the first side 316 and the reverse side 318 are fixedly secured. The air vent 310 may be provided before or after the flap 308 is fixedly attached to the towel. In one embodiment, a portion of the first side and the reverse side 318 are removed along flap edge 324 a. The removed material forms an air vent 310, when edge 324 a of the flap 308 is fixedly secured to edge 324 of the towel. In one embodiment, opposed edges of the first side 316 and the reverse side 318 forming the air vent 310 are fixedly secured using any suitable fastening. Suitable fastenings include, but are not necessarily limited to stitching, snaps, Velcro, and tape. In one embodiment, folded twill tape fixedly secures opposed edges of the first side 316 and the reverse side 318 forming the air vent 310.

In order to use the towel with the functional flap, the user selects a side of the flap to cover the head and/or face of the user 312, according to a set of characteristics associated with the materials and the user's corresponding preference as to materials utilized for making the first side and the reverse side of the flap. A side of the towel is placed against a surface so that the selected side of the flap may be drawn against the head and/or face of the user 312. In one embodiment, the user places his head against the top part of the towel and then pulls the selected side of the flap over the user's head and face. The user may choose to cover the full face or only the head and eyes.

In one embodiment, the towel 302 comprises one or more pocket 304. In one embodiment, one or more pocket 304 is affixed to the towel 302 in a location configured to be adjacent to the upper torso of a user 312 reclined on the towel 302. In one embodiment, the one or more pocket 304 is affixed to the towel and adjacent to the top edge of the towel where the flap is attached. In one embodiment, one or more pocket is affixed to the towel 302 in a location configured to be adjacent to one or more of the hands of a user 312 reclined on the towel 302. The one or more pockets may be used to retain necessary and useful items for user.

In accordance with illustrative embodiments, a towel and method for making and using a towel with a functional flap is described herein. The towel with functional top or side flap provides a user with the ability to rest against the surface of a towel and also to cover his or her face with the flap. Covering the user's head or face in such a way can reduce and/or entirely block out unwanted artificial or natural light, noise, cold or warm air from the surrounding environment. Thus, a user is able to obtain a better experience while resting against the towel. Additional benefits provided by the flap include reduced exposure to sunlight to a user's head and face. In one embodiment, this function is enhanced by providing additional fabric attached to the towel that serves as a shield from the sun. In one embodiment, the flap material is treated with chemical treatments that infuse the fabric on one or both sides of the functional flap with additional sun-resistant abilities. Such a towel with a functional flap will assist a user utilizing the towel while resting outdoors in the sun.

The towel with functional flap provides a more luxurious and comfortable alternative to other methods for covering a user's eyes or face. An opening through the flap serves as an air vent to provide some air flow to ensure adequate air supply for proper breathing and to prevent discomfort to a user. The functional flap offers the advantage that it is easily pulled on and off or positioned as needed on a user's head and face. The towel with functional flap allows a user who has forgotten or lost his or her sunglasses to still have a method for blocking out unwanted light when the user is outdoors. Also, the towel material provides an absorbent and comfortable material against which to rest on a surface, while also shielding one's head and face from unwanted light or noise.

The towel with functional flap is a better alternative to an eye mask, which tends to have a string or elastic band that goes around a user's head. This eye mask usually ends up tugging on a user's head and hair and leaves indentation marks in the user's skin from where the string or elastic used to hold the eye mask is located. Furthermore, in an embodiment whereby differing fabrics are utilized for either side of the flap, the user has the option to choose between different fabrics on either side of the towel.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the foregoing description. The embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the invention, which will be defined in the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A towel comprising a front side and a back side, the towel fixedly communicating with a flap adapted to fold over a side selected from the group consisting of the front side of the towel, the back side of the towel, and a combination thereof, the flap comprising a first side fixedly communicating with a reverse side comprising and defining an air vent extending through the first side and the reverse side.
 2. The towel of claim 1, wherein the flap comprises a flap edge substantially parallel to an opposed edge, the flap edge fixedly communicating with the towel at a junction.
 3. The towel of claim 2, wherein the front side of the towel fixedly communicates with one or more pockets.
 4. The towel of claim 3, wherein the back side of the towel fixedly communicates with one or more pockets.
 5. The towel of claim 1, wherein the first side comprises a first material fixedly communicating with a reverse side comprising a reverse material.
 6. The towel of claim 5, wherein the first material is adapted to provide a greater degree of warmth than the reverse material.
 7. The towel of claim 6, wherein the reverse material is adapted to provide a smoother texture than the first material.
 8. The towel of claim 1, wherein the flap further comprises chemicals adapted to reduce sun exposure.
 9. The towel of claim 1, wherein the towel is rectangular and the flap is rectangular.
 10. The towel of claim 2, wherein the air vent comprises an opening extending through the flap adjacent to the junction.
 11. A towel comprising a front side and a back side, the towel fixedly communicating with a flap adapted to fold over a side selected from the group consisting of the front side, the back side, and a combination thereof, the flap comprising a first side comprising a first material fixedly communicating with a reverse side comprising a second material and defining an air vent extending through the first material and the second material, wherein the first material is adapted to provide a greater degree of warmth than the second material and the second material is adapted to provide a smoother texture than the first material.
 12. The towel of claim 11, wherein the front side of the towel comprises a front pocket.
 13. The towel of claim 12 wherein the back side of the towel comprises a back pocket.
 14. The towel of claim 13, wherein one or both of the front pocket and the back pocket comprise one or more fasteners adapted to retain part or all of items placed in the pocket.
 15. The towel of claim 14, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more zippers.
 16. The towel of claim 11, wherein: the first material is velour; the second material is satin; and the front side and the back side of the towel are terrycloth.
 17. The towel of claim 14, wherein: the first material is velour; the second material is satin; and the front side and the back side of the towel are terrycloth.
 18. A method for making a towel, the method comprising: providing a towel comprising a front side, a back side, and an edge; providing a flap comprising a first side comprising a first material communicating with a reverse side comprising a reverse material, the flap comprising a flap edge; providing an air vent through the flap; and fixedly communicating the flap edge with the edge of the towel.
 19. The method of claim 19, further comprising treating a material selected from the group consisting of the first material, the reverse material, and a combination thereof with one or more sun blocking chemicals.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the flap further comprises an opposed edge opposed to the flap edge, the method further comprising affixing one or more pockets to the towel at a location that is adjacent to the opposed edge when the flap is folded over a respective side of the towel. 